MRS. DEXTER AND HER DAILY
By Joanna McClelland Glass
Directed by Marti
Maraden
Starring Nicola Cavendish and Fiona Reid
A world premiere co-production with Canada’s
National Arts Centre English Theatre
Playing until February 7, 2010
| Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Friendship, Maid to Order
PREMIERE
A finely crafted portrait of Mrs. D and Peggy, whose longstanding
employer–servant relationship may be coming to an end. The women cross
class and cultural boundaries in this tale of love and loss and loyalty,
set in Toronto.
Video Clips:
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
PLAY
Trailer |
PLAY
Nicola Cavendish |
PLAY
Fiona Reid |
PLAY
Bill Millerd |
- Reviews
- Audience Comments
- Blog Coverage
- Artistic Team
- Downloads
"Seasoned pros shine…full of terrific moments" —The Vancouver Courier [Read More]
"Finely wrought… Glass has given us something rare" —Michael Harris, The Globe and Mail [Read More]
"I will bask in the afterglow of this wonderful play for some time yet" —Mark Robins, GayVancouver [Read More]
"I loved this show…Don't miss the opportunity to see this new play by one of Canada's gifted playwrights and featuring two accomplished actors at the top of their game" —Gillian Lockitch, Review from the House [Read More]
"Dynamic Daily Duo" —Vancouver Sun preview [Read More]
"Dexter’s Duo" —Province preview [Read More]
Straight Choice [Read
More]
Praise for Nicola Cavendish:
"Nicola Cavendish is no stranger to accolades and ovations"
—Mike Roberts, The Province
Praise for Fiona Reid:
"Reid is one of those rare people who can honestly be called a
Canadian star" —The Hamilton Spectator
Praise for Joanna McClelland Glass:
"If Canadian playwrights ever achieve mythological status,
there's one piece of casting that's already a done deal. Joanna
McClelland Glass would have to play Athena" —Toronto Star
"I would come out to see Nicola Cavendish read the phone book, and never miss a production with her in it, but this play was amazing. I laughed until my sides hurt, but at other times I was almost in tears because of the heartache alluded to. I had never seen Fiona Reid in a live production before, so that was another reason the evening was so special. I came with my two sisters and we spent the drive home to Richmond dissecting and raving about the play - just an excellent evening all around."
–Jo-Ann, Richmond
"Excellent Play. Both actresses were exceptional. Love your theatre!"
–Linda, Langley
"Loved it!"
–Catherine, Delta
"Excellent Performances. Beautiful set Design. A great evening of theatre."
–Anonymous
"As a theatrical device the back-to-back monologues used in this play were an engaging idea. Equally convincing was the contrasting delivery of two women’s lives presented by these talented and wonderful actresses."
–Bob
"I really enjoyed this show. Nicole Cavendish is outstanding - her representation of an older, blue collar woman was bang on - she reminded me of my grandmother when I was young - always complaining of aches & pains, but worked her butt off! Mrs. Dexter was so sad and anyone who has been dumped could surely relate to her angst, anger and submission to the bottle! Very enjoyable evening."
–Nancy, New Westminster
"I have never seen Fiona Reed on stage before, and enjoyed her Mrs. Dexter, but I have been a fan of Nicola's forever, and as usual, she did not disappoint. Nicola thank you for all the wonderful performances you have given us over the years -- I hope there will be many more, but I feel blessed every time I attend one of your performances. Bravo!"
–Sue, North Vancouver
"A very fine production from the beginning to end. It is always such a pleasure to see 2 really fine performances. It was engaging from the start! Nicola Cavendish is delightful as usual and Mrs. Dexter's performance had us up in our seats at the end!"
–Jose and Michael, North Vancouver
"What can I say. Any play that I have seen with Nicole has always been great and funny. The story is true in life. Highly recommended."
–Glenda, Surrey
"What isn't there to love about Nicola Cavendish? Another wonderful production from the Stanley Theatre."
–Marion, Richmond
"We thought the acting and the play was fantastic. Amazing they can remember all those lines. Not reading any reviews about this play we were expecting Nicola Cavendish and Fiona Ried to be in some of the play together. But we still enjoyed it."
–Ray, Delta
"Fantastic production had me in stitches. Both actresses did a fabulous job."
–Karen, North Vancouver
"Ms. Cavendish and Ms. Reid were truly engaging in their portrayal of a loyal, devoted and "chatty" maid and an aging but still feisty and sexy divorcee respectively. As each graced the stage and earned the audience's confidence and ear, they wove a delightful tale of two truly good women who were loyal to each other to the end. A wonderful, enjoyable celebration of life for women to enjoy and men to beware!"
–Jo-Ann, Vancouver
"I have been a fan of Nicola Cavendish since she first started in the 70's. Once again she gave an amazing performance as did Fiona Reid. It really didn't seem like they were acting they just were those women! Thanks for such an enjoyable performance."
—Diane
"I enjoyed the production very much. The actors were superb and the set design lovely. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to see live theatre. Every time I go to live theatre it makes me wonder why I don't go more often."
—Bev, Port Coquitlam
"Wonderful production. Amazing how two 'old ladies' can keep an audience spellbound. We had heard nothing but good about the play and it lived up to expectations."
—Patricia, Vancouver
"Incredible. My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed this play. Both the script and the actresses get 5 stars in my book. I look forward to returning to the Stanley."
—Judy
"Bring us more Joanna Glass! The writing was superb. And to see two such brilliant actors, Nicola Cavendish and Fiona Reid, inhabit the characters she so insightfully created was a delight. Kudos to everyone involved with the production."
—Judith, Gibsons
"Nicola and Fiona were absolutely amazing and the set was outstanding. Their timing and precision was a joy to watch."
—Lea
"For these two esteemed actors to each do one hour and ten minutes non-stop dialogue + cleaning the fridge, making tuna sandwiches, ironing curtains and hanging them in the window, wrapping glasses, etc. etc. etc...was totally incredible !! Nicola and Fiona are stage gems !! A grand tribute to the acting profession. Bravo ! Bravo ! and Bravo !"
—Larry, retired Drama teacher, Vancouver
"It is amazing how much was right about this production. The writing is so authentic, I could recognize individuals I've known in both of the on stage characters as well as those who never appeared but were made real through allusion. The acting was superb, extracting every nuance of pathos, comedy and realism that could be wrung from a seemingly mundane and familiar scenario. Bravo!"
—CD
"Excellent!! Amazing acting. Flawless in spite of it being the first night. How do they remember those long monologues?! Most enjoyable."
—Margaret
Blog Coverage
Glamourama —Mrs. Dexter & Her Daily opening night
Introducing Mrs. Dexter & Her Daily
Mrs. Dexter & Her Set Design
Artistic team
By Joanna McClelland Glass
Starring Nicole Cavendish and Fiona
Reid
Directed by Marti Maraden
Set Design Pam Johnson
Lighting Design Marsha Sibthorpe
Costume Design Phillip Clarkson
Stage Manager Laurie Champagne
Assistant Stage Manager Ronaye Haynes
Presenting Sponsor:
![]()




